Nothing says holidays like gathering around the table with friends, family, and of course… the in-laws.
Every family has their own unique dynamic, some families get along great at the holidays! Take cute family photos for the Christmas cards, or matching outfits at your Friendsgiving Instagram posts. If you’re anything like my family, however, you have those in-laws while some have those aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, friends, etc. You all know who I’m talking about, the kind of relative whose invite you wish had gotten lost in the mail (looking at you Nina).
Well, this post goes out to anyone who has to put up with those people this holiday season. We’re going to give you the inside scoop on what red wine will pair well with your food and not leave you feeling terrible the next day (you know… just in case you need a few more glasses).
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir with turkey is a no-brainer. The wine's bright, high acidity and extreme versatility on the table make it a solid choice for pairing not only with turkey but also the handful of sides that will cover the rest of your plate.
The bright acidity brings out the juiciness in the turkey as well as the flavor in the sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, mushroom dishes, etc. The gentle tannins marry well with all the green vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, leafy greens such as kale, chard, or spinach, as well as the proverbial dish of green beans.
Our Top Pick
Lovely Lilly - Pinot Noir – Germany
$20.99/bottle
Grapes: Pinot Noir (100%)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sugar: 1.3 g/L
This Pinot Noir is made from organic fruit and low-impact wine-making with no herbicides or pesticides used in the vineyards (currently at 5 hectares), and harvest is done completely by hand. This organic Pinot is light, low in tannins, and its organic fruit and sustainable farming practices make it perfect if you’re going to want a bottle or two before you deal with the in-laws.
Chianti
Chianti is an excellent choice for pairing with your Thanksgiving meal. The nose of this wine is dominated by aromas of red cherry, plum, tomato, cranberry, violet, and plum. On the palate, juicy red fruits explode with flavor, balanced but pronounced tannins, and mouthwatering acidity. Chianti Classico's flavors pair well with the allspice and sage in Turkey. It also goes well with other Thanksgiving sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
Why a DOCG Chianti? DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, which translates to "Denomination of Controlled Origin and Guaranteed". Under Italian wine law, DOCG is the highest designation of quality among Italian wines. Among other requirements, to be designated as DOCG, the wine must be recognized as of particular value for its quality and have controlled production methods, including grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, winemaking procedures, and barrel/bottle maturation. So, you can drink a glass (or a few) of this at Thanksgiving knowing it’s a quality wine.
Our Top Pick
Santa Margherita - Chianti Classico Riserva D.O.C.G. - Tuscany, Italy
$29.99/bottle
Grapes: Sangiovese (90%), Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)
Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Aging potential: 6 – 8 years
A complex, earthy, and austere Chianti Classico Riserva is just what these flavorful Thanksgiving dishes need. It’s not only an authentic taste of Tuscany, it’s the ultimate expression of Italian hospitality.
The nuanced, layered flavors of this wine begin with the blending of juice from three different grape varietals: predominantly Sangiovese with the addition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A two-stage fermentation process is used to develop the wine’s full, round flavor and character. After two years of aging in French oak barrels and an additional three-month aging after bottling, it is released to the market and ready to be enjoyed with awkward Thanksgiving conversations.
Gamay from Beaujolais
Beaujolais is sometimes thought of as part of Burgundy because so many of the Burgundy wine companies have expanded their reach to include wines from the Beaujolais wine region. But Beaujolais wines deserve to stand apart, not least because they are made from an entirely different grape — Gamay. Grown on the region’s granite slopes, the Gamay imparts a fresh, directly fruity yet mineral character to the wines.
Fruit-forwardness, high acid, and low tannins are the trifecta as to why Gamay and Thanksgiving go hand in hand. These chillable, easy-drinking reds pair beautifully with turkey, poultry, cranberry sauce, and a variety of other dishes on the table. Beaujolais wines are refreshing, fruity, and not too full-bodied or tannic, making them easy to drink and a good choice for Thanksgiving dinner.
Our Top Pick
Domaine Pertuizet - Beaujolais Lantignie - Beaujolais, France
$32.99/bottle
Grapes: 100% Gamay
Alcohol: 13.5%
Age of the vines : 5 to 90 years old
This Beaujolais has an elegant nose with blackberry and black currant notes underscored with a cigar box. A pallet that has warm spice flavors, with a round smokey finish.
This vintner uses only Organic & Biodynamic farming practices, including the use of less Copper and Sulfur than the Organic certification limits. Everything is done by hand, or by horse, without any machine use. The result is an elegant and sustainable wine produced in Lantignié that will compliment your Thanksgiving meal, and the sustainable farming practices will leave you feeling guilt-free for your black Friday shopping.
Honorable Mention: Chardonnay
While Chardonnay isn’t a red wine, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention how brilliantly it pairs with Thanksgiving Turkey.
The richness and subtle oak of Chardonnay complement the turkey's round flavors while the supple body can balance out any dryness in the turkey, especially if it's roasted. A nice full-bodied Chardonnay also goes well with mashed potatoes and buttered green beans.
Our Top Pick
J. Bookwalter - Readers - Chardonnay - Columbia Valley, WA
$17.99/bottle
Grapes: 76% Chardonnay 24% Viognier
Alcohol: 13%
Sugars: 2.8 g/L
This Washington Chardonnay has aromatics of orange blossom, white peach, and golden apple. Bright and fresh, mid-palate presents juicy peach and sweet citrus. Mouthwatering finish with notes of lemon and white tea. Both the Chardonnay and the Viognier were harvested at optimal maturity, at cool night temperatures in late August. Chardonnay was harvested first, and then the Viognier juice was added to the fermentation a week later with fermentation to enhance the flowery notes and fruitiness of the wine.
Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving
-Cheers & Spirits
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